Donations given to clients and their families on World AIDS Day
UPPER CUMBERLAND – Positively Living & Choice Health Network handed out “HOPE for the holidays” on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, which unites people in the fight against HIV, shows support for people living with HIV and commemorates those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
Providers at Choice Health Network’s Upper Cumberland office distributed HOPE Buckets to 29 clients who have been affected by HIV/AIDS or sought services. Additionally, the organization distributed “Angel Tree” gifts for 18 children and lunches for clients.
Statewide, the organization distributed HOPE Buckets to 188 clients and “Angel Tree” gifts for 128 children. The organization also has offices in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Memphis.
“Since our founding in Knoxville in 1996, Positively Living’s purpose has been to care for those living with HIV and AIDS,” said Steve Jenkins, CEO of Positively Living & Choice Health Network. “Our mission is still to provide compassionate, holistic care to those patients, as well as to others who have historically lacked access. The HOPE Bucket program is a longstanding tradition in Knoxville. This year, we’ve brought it to three additional cities across the state, because we know families rely on it for necessities and comfort during the holidays.”
“HOPE Buckets” are reusable tote bags holding hygiene products, cleaning supplies and other everyday essentials. In 2020, the organization began including “Angel Tree” gifts for children of HIV/AIDS clients and gift cards for groceries. This year, Positively Living & Choice Health Network expanded the HOPE Bucket program to clients at all its statewide locations.
The buckets and the people they help have come a long way since the tradition started in 2000. Carol Ann Buchanan founded the annual program in honor of her brother, Chucky Moyers, at Covenant Health’s Hope Center in Knoxville.
Positively Living & Choice Health Network and East Tennessee Foundation established “The HOPE Fund” with a $20,000 endowment from the Hope Center after it closed in 2019. The HOPE Fund’s purpose is to ensure people affected by HIV have access to useful items during the holidays. It also funds opportunities to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS.
Since the launch of Choice Health Network in 2018, the nonprofit’s providers are serving three times the number of people – 6,000 individuals and families in four cities across the state – compared to when the nonprofit undertook the HOPE Bucket legacy.
Positively Living & Choice Health Network relies on donations to serve those affected by HIV/AIDS and to keep Moyers’ legacy alive. Make contributions at choicehealthnetwork.org/donate and designate support for the HOPE for the Holidays program.
Additionally, Positively Living & Choice Health Network has a separate fund to cover the costs of other client needs year-round, including copay assistance, emergency food aid, car repairs so that clients can maintain care appointments and more.
“We are grateful to the generous donors who have given to this worthy cause and hope to inspire others in the community,” Jenkins said. “These donations help us deliver hope during the holidays, as well as health and equity every day at our clinics and offices.”
Visit choicehealthnetwork.org for more information about Positively Living & Choice Health and sign up for the email newsletter.
About Positively Living & Choice Health Network
Positively Living & Choice Health Network is a 501(c)(3) public health nonprofit serving Tennessee’s most vulnerable populations: more than 6,000 individuals and families struggling to survive the challenges created by HIV, homelessness, mental illness, substance use and LGBTQ+ discrimination. The organization has offices in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis and Upper Cumberland. For more information, visit https://choicehealthnetwork.org.
